The lawyer named the conditions for acceptable pigeon feeding

Feeding pigeons is not prohibited in itself, but in some cases it may entail administrative liability. In order not to violate the law, it is important to avoid polluting the territory and follow the rules of landscaping. Ilya Vasilchuk, a judicial lawyer, an expert on the security of electronic transactions and real estate transactions, and a public figure, told Izvestia on April 7.

"Feeding pigeons is not a violation in itself, but it may entail administrative responsibility if it leads to a violation of sanitary and epidemiological norms and rules of landscaping. This is due to the fact that a massive accumulation of birds pollutes the territory with droppings and food residues, attracts rodents and increases the risk of spreading infections," the expert noted.

At the same time, bans are established at the regional level. In particular, in Moscow and the Moscow region, Article 8.4.1 of the Administrative Code of the city is in force, and in St. Petersburg there are similar norms in regional legislation. The lawyer clarified that violations can be recorded both in the courtyards of residential buildings and in parks if feeding leads to unsanitary conditions. Feeding birds from a balcony or window may also be subject to a fine if this leads to contamination of facades, windows or the surrounding area.

Vasilchuk stressed that the key factor is the intention of actions. If a person purposefully leaves food and it causes contamination, such actions may qualify as a violation. Accidental scattering of crumbs, which does not lead to consequences, is usually not considered an offense.

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"The amount of the fine depends on the circumstances. For citizens, it can be up to 3 thousand rubles, and in case of repeated violation — up to 5 thousand rubles. Fines for officials reach 30 thousand rubles, for legal entities — up to 250 thousand rubles with possible suspension of activities," the expert explained.

According to him, the police, the housing inspectorate and Rospotrebnadzor monitor compliance with the norms. Violations can be recorded using cameras or based on complaints from residents. Evidence, including photos and videos, is needed to bring to justice.

The expert added that before contacting the supervisory authorities, it is recommended to first send a complaint to the management company or HOA to resolve the situation.

On April 4, Evgeny Zharov, lawyer, Ph.D. in Economics, Managing partner of the Zharov Group Law Firm, head of the Russian Bar Association's Commission on Ecology, noted that a fine could be imposed for feeding wild animals in the city or in specially protected natural areas. According to him, such actions change the natural behavior of animals, they lose their fear of humans, which is dangerous for both sides and disrupts the balance of the ecosystem.

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